But there are also a number of investing conferences and other events that take place in the days before company meeting.

At the University of Nebraska at Omaha Thursday, speakers examined Buffett's giving and other philanthropic issues. Other conferences Friday will focus on value investing techniques similar to what Buffett uses.

More than 40,000 people attended last year's shareholder meeting to mark 50 years of Buffett's leadership. But this year's crowd may be smaller because Berkshire will broadcast the meeting online for the first time on Yahoo Finance.